When Ah Xin opened her eyes, she was standing in a dreamlike room that seemed fit for a princess from a fairy tale—not pink, but a noble pale purple.
In front of her sat a beautiful-faced girl with an arrogant yet elegant expression. The girl had fluffy long curls and wore a snow-white princess dress. She was looking Ah Xin up and down with a critical gaze.
"What's your name?"
"Ye Xin."
Sheng Qianxue propped up her chin and narrowed her eyes. "Which characters?"
"Ye as in mouth-ten, Xin with a grass radical on top of the character for bitter."
As Ah Xin answered, she also looked at the other person directly, her calm eyes showing no nervousness. She had been awakened by the soul before her. She was somewhat curious—this person was a young lady pampered by thousands, so what could she be unwilling to accept that would awaken her? Because of the somewhat familiar soul fluctuations, and her fondness for human bodies, since she was already here, she naturally wanted to help the other person live a happy life.
"Oh," Sheng Qianxue focused on playing a game on her phone. After quite a while, she looked up. "So you're going to be my study companion from now on? Accompanying me to school every day? Dad said you'll be living at our house?"
"Yes."
Sheng Qianxue put down her phone and walked up to Ah Xin. She was half a head taller than Ah Xin. Her fair little hand rested on Ah Xin's head, and a hint of wicked amusement crossed her lips. "Shorty." After saying this, she seemed very happy, her smile bright and harmless. She stared into Ah Xin's eyes and said fiercely, "What study companion? It's clearly that my dad hired you to monitor me. He's already dissatisfied with me. He's afraid I'll bully Sheng Qianling, so he found you to watch me. Once I do anything to bully Sheng Qianling, he'll definitely find an excuse to punish me."
"Fine, I can't fight him, so study companion it is." Sheng Qianxue returned to her seat, picked up her phone to continue playing, and looked up with a smile. "How much is my dad paying you per month?"
"Fifteen thousand, with room and board included."
"Tsk... How generous." Sheng Qianxue swung her legs and scoffed. "Your family must be very poor, right? Your clothes—anyone can tell they're from a street market stall."
Ah Xin honestly nodded. "My family is indeed very poor."
"Then what about your parents?" Sheng Qianxue raised her chin. "How old are you? So young and already going to other people's houses to be a spy. Your parents must really be money-grubbers. At such a young age, instead of studying properly, you're learning to be a spy. Parents like that are really useless—sucking their daughter dry before she's even an adult."
Ah Xin's voice remained calm as she answered, "My parents died long ago."
Sheng Qianxue froze for a moment, turned her head away, pursed her lips, then focused her gaze back on her phone screen, continuing to play the game. After playing for a while, she secretly lifted her head to observe Ah Xin, but seeing her still with that indifferent expression, put down her phone again.
"Shorty, you want to be my study companion, right?"
"Mm."
Sheng Qianxue stood up and went to her large walk-in closet, rummaging around inside. Ah Xin didn't know what she was looking for. About five minutes later, Sheng Qianxue came out with several pieces of clothing. She glanced at Ah Xin, pursed her lips, and casually tossed the clothes into Ah Xin's arms.
"If you want to be Sheng Qianxue's study companion, you can't wear these street market goods anymore." Seeing Ah Xin not moving, Sheng Qianxue frowned impatiently. "They're unworn. I grew fast—these were bought last year. Hurry up and change."
"Change now. I'm giving you ten minutes, or I'll have someone throw you out!" Sheng Qianxue threatened fiercely, pushing Ah Xin into the walk-in closet. "Hurry up, don't make me angry. From now on, you're my study companion, so... you only listen to me. I don't care whose money you're taking—if you want to stay by Sheng Qianxue's side, you can only listen to me."
Ah Xin nodded and walked into the large walk-in closet to change. The texture of the clothes in her hands was more comfortable than what she was wearing. If there were better options, she wouldn't refuse. She smiled at Sheng Qianxue and said thank you. Sheng Qianxue lifted her chin and huffed.
After she changed, Sheng Qianxue handed her a shoebox. "Shoes, matching set, unworn." Sheng Qianxue's voice was extremely proud. "Don't think I pity you. It's just that I grew fast and developed well. I bought too many at the time and couldn't wear them all. Throwing them away would be too wasteful—better to give them to you, shorty. Also, since you took my things, remember that you're my person now. You only listen to me. Whatever I tell you to do, you do it."
Ah Xin answered, "Okay." Then she put on the shoes, and the overall impression she gave changed completely.
At this moment, she felt Sheng Qianxue's hand on her ponytail, muttering, "What a hick hairstyle. How can Sheng Qianxue's study companion have such a tacky hairstyle? Taking you out would just embarrass me, wouldn't it?" She released Ah Xin's ponytail, turned around, and picked up her phone. "Get me a hairstylist. Quick, within half an hour."
After hanging up, Sheng Qianxue looked at the silent Ah Xin, walked up to her, her tone somewhat threatening. "Shorty, if you dare resist later, I'll kick you out."
"I won't resist. I'll listen to everything you say." Ah Xin answered, a hint of laughter in her eyes.
Sheng Qianxue choked, then said, "That's right, how could you possibly resist? It's not like I'm shaving your head bald. I'm giving you clothes, getting you a hairstylist—such a good deal, how could you possibly resist?" After speaking, she returned to her seat and ignored Ah Xin completely, sulking as her fingers flew rapidly across her phone screen.
Ah Xin stood beside her, watching her game character die countless times, and said, "You're playing a squishy. Rushing in means getting cut down in two hits. Squishies have high damage output—you should stand behind the tank and deal damage."
"I know!" Sheng Qianxue shouted. "When I play games, don't butt in. I like using squishies to take hits. I don't care if I die countless times. I like playing this way—it's just a new playstyle." After speaking, Sheng Qianxue's game character was cut down by the enemy in one hit again. Her cheeks flushed red. She looked up to see Ah Xin staring at her without blinking, and anger rose in her heart. "It's all because you talked to me. I could have taken two hits before dying."
"Then keep it up." Ah Xin comforted her. "You're about to respawn. Next time you'll definitely be able to take two hits."
Sheng Qianxue got even angrier and shoved the phone into Ah Xin's hands. "I don't want to play anymore. Aren't you my study companion? Now I'm ordering you to play the game for me." She thought of a good idea and curved her lips. "Being my study companion isn't easy. You must pass my one-week test. If you pass, you can become my real study companion. If you don't qualify, I'll have to tell my dad to fire you. Even though Dad doesn't like me as much as before, compared to you, he definitely cares about me more."
"Now, I'm going to give you your first test." Sheng Qianxue happily pointed at the phone. "Turn this game around for me." She smiled at Ah Xin. From the current situation, their side basically had no chance of a comeback. She wanted to see this shorty cry from frustration—that would be fun.
Hearing this, Ah Xin silently picked up the phone, sat to the side, and began playing with Sheng Qianxue's game character. Watching Ah Xin hide behind the tank and cautiously deal damage, Sheng Qianxue burst out laughing. "You're too cowardly. What's the point of playing like this? There's no gaming experience at all." But seeing Ah Xin control the character's positioning, narrowly dodging attacks each time, she pursed her lips. "You're just a bit more flexible with positioning. It's not really useful."
When she saw Ah Xin kill the enemy's squishy, she sneered. "It's impossible to turn it around. Don't even think about it. When the enemy rushes over, you're dead."
However, under Ah Xin's control, the game character moved nimbly, dodging fatal attacks every time. The tank seemed to notice the change in their team's squishy damage dealer and stayed by Ah Xin's side the whole time. Every time the enemy came to attack Ah Xin, he would quickly block the attack and bounce the enemy back. Ah Xin's economy grew higher and higher, until eventually even killing tanks only took a few hits.
Watching a game with almost no chance of comeback win just like that, Sheng Qianxue couldn't laugh anymore. She snatched the phone back. "Don't get cocky. We were at a disadvantage earlier because I wanted to research another playstyle. Your conventional playstyle—what's there to be proud of? If it were me, I could do it too. Watch, I'll play another round to show you."
Ah Xin stepped back. Sheng Qianxue started another game, recalling in her mind the techniques Ah Xin had just used, but... before long, her game character was killed by the enemy again. Her face stiffened. "I... I'm just used to the previous new playstyle."
"Mm." Ah Xin responded blandly, with no intention of mocking her at all. Sheng Qianxue bit her teeth and this time very cautiously hid behind the tank. During team fights, although she didn't die, she escaped home with just a sliver of health. Her face burned red. She looked up, wanting to say something to Ah Xin, only to find the other person wasn't beside her but was staring at her desk. She breathed a slight sigh of relief. "Shorty, I told you to watch me play. Why are you looking elsewhere?"
"Then I'll come over." Ah Xin made as if to turn and walk over. Sheng Qianxue quickly stopped her. "Forget it. If you like looking at books, look at them yourself. I'll play by myself. You being next to me will just disturb me."
She continued to bury her head in the game, focused on playing. Looking at the constantly dying game character, her expression wasn't good.
What a crappy game!
Before long, the hairstylist arrived at the Sheng residence and cut Ah Xin a trendy hairstyle that particularly suited her. Looking at the transformed Ah Xin, Sheng Qianxue nodded. "A bit short, a bit thin, but your skin is quite fair, and your appearance is acceptable. Alright, now your appearance qualifies you to be my study companion."
At dinner time, Sheng Qianxue brought Ah Xin downstairs.
She sat in her seat and pointed to the seat next to her. "From now on, you sit here. Remember, you're my study companion, understand?" Sheng Qianxue glanced at the man sitting not far away. "You only listen to me, no matter who's paying your salary."
"Qianxue, I got you a study companion, and this is how you treat her?" Sheng Wenbo looked at the delicate and sweet little girl who had spent the entire afternoon with his daughter being transformed from head to toe, and couldn't help but frown. "Even though she's your study companion, you need to respect her."
"Who says I don't respect her?" Sheng Qianxue got angry. "What did I do to her?" She glared at Sheng Wenbo. "Is it that in your eyes, I'm just not as good as Sheng Qianling? No matter what I do, it's my fault. I always have ulterior motives. I'm always bullying people?"
"Qianxue..."
"Mr. Sheng." Ah Xin spoke up at this moment, stopping Sheng Wenbo from saying what he was about to say. He changed his approach and asked, "Xiao Ye, I hope you don't mind. You're a child with excellent character and academic performance. Qianxue is just a bit domineering by nature. Did she do this today with your permission, or did she just..."
"I agreed to it." Ah Xin looked at Sheng Qianxue's reddening eyes and quickly said, "Qianxue saw that my clothes were too old and my shoes too worn, so she kindly found new clothes for me to change into."
"Is that so?" Sheng Wenbo's gaze toward Sheng Qianxue softened a bit. "That's good then."
Sheng Qianxue sat in her seat looking displeased. "So what if I did bully her?" She glanced at Ah Xin—at least this shorty had a conscience. Worthy of being her study companion. She secretly tugged at Ah Xin and said in a low voice, "From now on, it has to be like this. No matter who attacks me, you stand on my side, understand? Do it well, and I'll give you an extra ten thousand at the end of the month."
"Also, I didn't feel sorry for you because your clothes were old. I just thought standing next to me in shabby clothes would embarrass me. It wasn't kindness or sympathy."
"Can we eat now?" Sheng Qianxue asked. "Why isn't the food being served? Who else are we waiting for?"
"Waiting for Qianling. I already called her. She'll be back soon."
Sheng Qianxue's face darkened. "Do we have to wait for her every day? It's the weekend and she wants to go out and play, but wants to eat at home—why doesn't she come back early? She clearly knows our family eats at six o'clock, but she can't come back at five? It's like this every time. In this house, is she the most important person?"
"Qianxue, Qianling is your sister. Waiting for her to eat is proper. A family should eat together. She'll be here soon, about ten minutes. Can't you even wait that long?"
"Fine, I'll wait. Ten minutes, right?" Sheng Qianxue stared at Ah Xin. "Watch the time. If she's not back after ten minutes, no matter what, I'm eating."
Ah Xin took out her phone and silently watched the time.
Ten minutes later, she said quietly, "Time's up."
"Dad, time's up." Sheng Qianxue looked at Sheng Wenbo coldly. "Can we eat now? I've already waited ten minutes for her. Doesn't she have any sense of time?"
Sheng Wenbo put down his newspaper. "Let me ask Qianling what's going on."
Sheng Qianxue's face never looked pleasant. "Didn't you say before that after waiting ten minutes, we could eat?" Her fists clenched tightly. It was like this again. Every time it was like this. She pressed her lips together tightly, staring at Sheng Wenbo, who was on the phone with Sheng Qianling with a smile on his face.
"Qianling, why aren't you home yet?"
"Dad, I'm really sorry. There was traffic earlier. I'll be back soon, about five more minutes."
"Okay, come back quickly. We're waiting to eat together."
"Bang—"
Sheng Qianxue slammed her bowl hard on the table, glaring at Sheng Wenbo, her tone heavy. "So, Dad's meaning is that I have to wait for her another five minutes?"
"Qianxue, it's just five minutes, not much time." Sheng Wenbo didn't think five minutes was a big deal. Seeing Sheng Qianxue's unpleasant expression, he said, "Is there anything you want lately? I'll transfer more money to you. Qianling suffered hardships outside since she was young, and now her mother is gone too. Dad just wants her to feel that this is her home. Qianxue, she's your sister. I hope you can be more tolerant."
"What about me?" Sheng Qianxue's eyes reddened. "Because of her existence, I can't even see my own mother now. You always think she's so pitiful—have you ever thought about whether I'm pitiful?"
"Qianxue." Sheng Wenbo frowned. "If you miss your mother, you can go abroad to see her during the holidays."
Sheng Qianxue lowered her head for a moment. Hearing the sound of the door opening, she looked up with a smile on her face. "Dad, is what you just said true? All those things I've had my eye on—you'll buy them all for me?"
"Of course." Seeing his eldest daughter's smiling face, Sheng Wenbo breathed a sigh of relief. Children just liked to get angry—buying some gifts to coax them was enough.
"Okay, I've had my eye on quite a few things. Dad, transfer me more money."
"Is two hundred thousand enough?"
Sheng Qianxue raised her chin. "Two hundred thousand, Dad? Are you giving alms to a beggar? That's not enough. I want to buy lots and lots of things. Transfer me a million. After I buy them, I'll see if it's enough." After speaking, she glanced at Sheng Qianling, who was changing shoes. "Dad, transfer it now. I'll shop online later. There are also several games I really like recently with lots of beautiful equipment that costs money. I really want them."
"Alright, I'll transfer it to you now." Sheng Wenbo picked up his phone and started the transaction.
Before long, seeing the million transferred over, Sheng Qianxue smiled happily. "Dad, you're the best." Seeing his eldest daughter so happy, Sheng Wenbo's mood improved as well. He turned and called to Sheng Qianling. "Qianling, come eat quickly. Your sister has been waiting anxiously."
"Okay, Dad. I'll just wash my hands and come."
"Oh, Qianling, check your account. Dad also transferred you a million. You're too frugal with everything. If there's anything you like, buy it yourself. Don't worry about the money."
Sheng Qianling smiled at Sheng Wenbo and subconsciously glanced at Sheng Qianxue. Seeing her smile disappear, she quickly said, "Dad, let me transfer it back to you. Qianxue has things she wants to buy and games to play. I don't need anything right now. The house has everything. Whatever I'm missing, Dad has people prepare for me. I can't spend that much." Sheng Qianxue's expression grew worse. "I'm afraid Qianxue will be angry."
"I am indeed angry. I have to ask Dad for money, but you don't even have to ask and he automatically transfers it to you." Sheng Qianxue made no effort to hide her dislike for Sheng Qianling. "Since you don't want it, fine. Transfer that million to me. It's all Dad's money anyway, and I want it."
"If Qianxue really needs money that badly, send me your account and I'll transfer it to you right away."
"Qianling, there's no need. I'll transfer another million to Qianxue." Sheng Wenbo's head ached. "Qianxue, don't be angry. I'll give you another million, okay?"
"Then transfer it." Sheng Qianxue pursed her lips. "I know Dad loves her. From now on, whatever you give her, if you give me double, I won't target her anymore."
Sheng Wenbo helplessly shook his head and transferred another million to Sheng Qianxue. Finally, the family ate dinner peacefully. Sheng Qianling, seeing Ah Xin's unfamiliar face, took the initiative to greet her.
"I'm Sheng Qianling. And you are?"
"This is my study companion." Sheng Qianxue said coldly. "Ye Xin, come sit over here. Without my permission, don't talk to her. You're my person, understand? Now I have lots of money. Whatever you want, I'll buy it for you."
Ah Xin carried her bowl and sat on Sheng Qianxue's other side. Sheng Qianxue was very satisfied with this and looked at Sheng Qianling proudly. "She's my person. Sheng Qianling, please don't act all friendly with everyone."
"Qianxue, aren't you being a bit excessive with her?" Sheng Qianling felt some sympathy for Ah Xin. "Even if she's your study companion, she has the right to talk to other people. She doesn't have to listen to everything you say. You're basically depriving her of her personal freedom."
Sheng Qianxue was about to explode with anger when Ah Xin tugged at her and said to Sheng Qianling, "It's okay. I agreed to listen to everything Qianxue says. I'm willing, not unwilling at all. Um... please don't talk to me in the future. I'm Qianxue's study companion." After speaking, Ah Xin silently lowered her head and ate.
Sheng Qianxue had been very angry, but didn't expect this shorty to be so obedient. She happily laughed. "See? She said it herself. I'm not bullying her—she's willing. You, don't meddle in other people's business, especially mine."
Sheng Qianling's gaze was still sympathetic, as if asking "are you being threatened?" Ah Xin chose to ignore it. Except for the soul she was willing to approach, she didn't want to deal with anyone else. Throughout dinner, Sheng Qianxue was very happy. In tonight's contest with Sheng Qianling, she had slightly won. And the shorty actually listened to her so well. She glanced at Ah Xin's position, watching her focus intently on eating, and asked.
"Do you like it?"
"Yes."
"Then eat more." She moved two dishes in front of Ah Xin, smiling as she propped up her chin. "Eat. If it's not enough, I'll have the cook make more. I guarantee you'll eat your fill."
Watching this scene, Sheng Wenbo smiled and shook his head. But today the two sisters didn't seem to have an unpleasant quarrel, which was a good start.
When it was time to return to their rooms for the night, Sheng Qianxue walked Ah Xin to her bedroom door and threatened in a low voice, "You have to remember, don't get close to Sheng Qianling, or I'll kick you out. Understand?"
"Mm."
Seeing Ah Xin answer so seriously, Sheng Qianxue was very satisfied and pinched her face. "Be good. Following me, you won't lose out. If you dare secretly get close to Sheng Qianling, I'll make sure you can't even stay at school. Understand?"
"Mm, I understand."
Sheng Qianxue was satisfied and turned back to her room.
Ah Xin pushed open the door to go in. "Ye Xin." Behind her suddenly came Sheng Qianling's voice. "If you..."
"Bang—"
It was the sound of the door closing. Ah Xin didn't even turn her head. Except for the soul she cared about, she could ignore everything else.
"Ye Xin, if you're being threatened, you can tell me. Maybe I can help you." Sheng Qianling stood at the door, speaking with sympathy. "I just learned about your background from Dad. I have no ill intentions—I just want to help you."
Ah Xin had already lain down, eyes closed, as if unable to hear the voice outside. She began thinking about the reasons why the Sheng family had ended up in this situation.